From the Desk of Dr. Maida: Alopecia, AI, & Minoxidil

Hair loss research is evolving quickly and in some really interesting directions. From new ways to deliver existing treatments to the growing role of AI in patient education, recent studies are expanding how we understand and think about treating hair loss.

Most of the research I’m excited about this week centers around recent publications and clinical trials that highlight promising developments in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss in men and women. 

A look into four studies shaping the future of hair loss treatment:

1. A New Way to Take Minoxidil Could Be A Game-Changer 

The Study: Efficacy & Safety of Minoxidil SL Tablets in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia [1]

What the research is about

A new phase III “SAM-002” trial from Samson Clinical is exploring a sublingual (under-the-tongue) form of minoxidil for men with androgenetic alopecia.

The randomized, placebo-controlled study lasts 24-weeks and has enrolled participants across multiple centers.

Results are expected in mid-2026, and if the outcomes are positive, this could be the first newly-approved medication for male pattern hair loss in more than two decades!

Why I’m excited

So many patients experiencing hair loss are looking for treatments that work but are easier to take and have fewer side effects. A new form of Minoxidil would be extremely valuable to patients who are hesitant to start hair loss therapy; this treatment would be a particularly good alternative to finasteride, which carries warnings related to sexual side effects and mood changes.

2. AI Can Decode Hair Loss or AI Can Help You Better Understand Hair Loss

The Study: Artificial Intelligence in Patient Education for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comparative Study of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Deepseek R1 [2]

What the research is about 

This study evaluated how well three large language model (LLM) tools (ChatGPT 4.0, Gemini 1.5 Flash, and Deepseek R1) answered 12 common patient questions about androgenetic alopecia. The takeaway? Some of them are pretty good at it.

ChatGPT 4.0 and Gemini 1.5 Flash gave answers that were the most accurate and easiest to understand, requiring minimal corrections. Gemini also included visual aids and citations, which improved the overall user experience. The experience with Deepseek R1 wasn’t as strong, as it answered fewer questions and sometimes gave less reliable answers.
Responses from all the LLMs were written around a high-school reading level, which makes the content very accessible.

Why I’m  excited

This research shows the potential of AI to improve access to reliable medical information around hair loss by answering common patient questions and also helping to fill in gaps between doctor visits. Used alongside medical guidance from doctors and healthcare professionals, these tools could become a beneficial extension of patient education, enabling greater access to information that helps people struggling with hair loss get the care and solutions they need. 

3. Post-COVID Hair Loss Is Real and More Common Than We Realized

The Study: Post-COVID Hair Loss in the Indian Subcontinent: Clinical Patterns and Association with Disease Severity [3]

What  the research is about

If you’ve noticed increased shedding after you’ve been sick, you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. A study looking at patients hospitalized with COVID-19 found that 37.8% reported hair loss, with nearly half noticing shedding within three months of being sick. Women were more likely to experience the post-COVID hair loss, as were people who had more severe COVID-19 infections and high stress levels.

Why I’m excited

This research reinforces the connection between illness, stress, and the hair growth cycle, which helps doctors better guide patients through dealing with hair loss, which is often temporary but distressing. For clinicians, the findings emphasize the importance of asking patients about their stress levels and recent illnesses. For patients, it can be reassurance; while upsetting, this type of shedding usually resolves over time.

4. The Future of Hair Loss Treatment May Be More Targeted (and More Effective) 

Study: Using the Mechanisms of Action Involved in the Pathogenesis of Androgenetic Alopecia to Treat Hair Loss [4]

What the research is about 

One of the biggest limitations in hair loss treatment today is how few options we have. Right now, there are only two FDA- approved treatments, minoxidil and finasteride, both of which have limitations related to side effects and patients staying on them long-term. This paper digs into the underlying biology of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), including pathways like androgen signaling, Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, growth factor regulation and Ion channel mechanisms, and examines how existing and emerging treatments target these pathways, noting that combination therapies often outperform single treatments. 

Why I’m excited

This research opens the door to exponentially expand the treatment options for hair loss that address multiple causes at once. This also creates the opportunity to develop more targeted therapies that are personalized to each individual patient, potentially with fewer side effects and better results.

The Takeaway 

Research into hair loss treatments is no longer just about finding a single fix. It’s becoming more layered, looking at delivery methods, biology, patient behavior and how people access information that helps them make decisions regarding hair loss treatment. From new formulations of standard treatments to AI-powered patient education and a deeper understanding of the hair growth cycle and exactly what impacts it, the field is moving towards something more precise and patient-centered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most promising treatments for hair loss right now?

One of the most exciting developments in progress is a sublingual (under-the-tongue) form of minoxidil currently in Phase III clinical trials. If successful, it could offer a convenient and potentially better-tolerated alternative to existing treatments, especially for patients who are hesitant to start a hair loss treatment program with the current options available.

Can AI really help me understand my hair loss?

The research into how large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini looks promising. One study found that ChatGPT and Gemini can give easy-to-understand, accurate answers to common hair loss questions. While they shouldn’t replace medical advice from your doctor, they can be a helpful starting point for learning more.

Is hair loss after COVID normal?

It can be. Studies show that a significant number of people who had COVID-19 experienced shedding within a few months of the illness, particularly if they had a severe case and/or were under a lot of stress. Women also were more likely to have hair loss after a bout of COVID-19. The good news is that it’s usually temporary and resolves over time.